Yintang EX-HN3
Where: Midway between the inner ends of the eyebrows.
Used to settle the mind and ease a tense forehead. We did not find strong trials for this point on its own. Treat it as a gentle self-care practice.
Fengchi GB20
Where: At the base of the skull, in the hollows either side of the neck muscles.
Used for tension in the head and the back of the neck. We did not find strong trials for this point on its own. Treat it as a gentle self-care practice.
Press gently. Sudden, severe headache needs urgent medical care.
Jianjing GB21
Where: On top of the shoulder, halfway between the neck and the shoulder tip.
Used for tight shoulders and upper-back tension. We did not find strong trials for this point on its own. Treat it as a gentle self-care practice.
Traditionally avoided in pregnancy.
Neiguan PC6
Where: Inner forearm, three finger-widths above the wrist crease, between the two central tendons.
Used to settle the stomach and calm the chest. The best-researched point here. A Cochrane review found stimulation reduced nausea and vomiting after surgery compared with sham, including with acupressure wristbands.
Persistent vomiting needs medical attention.
Shenmen HT7
Where: On the wrist crease, on the little-finger side, in the small hollow by the tendon.
Used for restlessness and unsettled sleep. We did not find strong trials for this point on its own. Treat it as a gentle self-care practice.
Hegu LI4
Where: On the back of the hand, in the fleshy web between the thumb and index finger.
One of the most used points, for head and face discomfort. We did not find strong trials for this point on its own. Treat it as a gentle self-care practice.
Traditionally avoided in pregnancy.
Shenshu BL23
Where: On the lower back, two finger-widths either side of the spine, at about waist level.
Used for an aching, tired lower back. We did not find strong trials for this point on its own. Treat it as a gentle self-care practice.
Back pain with numbness, weakness or loss of bladder control is an emergency.
Zusanli ST36
Where: Four finger-widths below the kneecap, one finger-width outside the shin bone.
Used to support digestion and low energy. We did not find strong trials for this point on its own. Treat it as a gentle self-care practice.
Sanyinjiao SP6
Where: Inner leg, four finger-widths above the ankle bone, just behind the shin bone.
Used for period discomfort and digestion. We did not find strong trials for this point on its own. Treat it as a gentle self-care practice.
Traditionally avoided in pregnancy.
Taichong LV3
Where: Top of the foot, in the hollow where the big-toe and second-toe bones meet.
Used for stress, irritability and tension. We did not find strong trials for this point on its own. Treat it as a gentle self-care practice.
Yongquan KI1
Where: On the sole, in the hollow about a third of the way down from the toes.
Used to ground and settle before sleep. Foot massage with oil is also a familiar Indian bedtime habit. We did not find strong trials for this point on its own. Treat it as a gentle self-care practice.
In pregnancy, the traditional points for this need are avoided. Please ask us or your doctor instead.
What the evidence says, and how to press
Points come from traditional East Asian practice. Only PC6 for nausea has strong trial support (Cochrane 2015). The rest are gentle self-care with little research behind them, and each card says so. Press firmly for one to two minutes, both sides, breathing slowly. Avoid broken skin, swelling and recent injury; some points are traditionally avoided in pregnancy.
References: Cochrane 2015, PC6 stimulation for nausea · NCCIH, Ayurvedic medicine
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